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New marketing and communications department summarizes metrics, website redesign plans
Summary
The city's Marketing & Communications director presented the department's mission, staff and metrics Aug. 4, and outlined plans for an August RFP and a target to launch a redesigned city website in May 2026; staff portal work is targeted for December of this year.
The new Marketing & Communications Department presented an overview of its mission, staff and performance metrics to the Joplin City Council on Aug. 4, and outlined an RFP schedule and target launch date for a redesigned city website.
Director Nick Drew said the department exists to "ensure accurate, timely and coordinated information is being provided by the city of Joplin to citizens, visitors and potential residents," and that its goals include building trust, promoting civic education and implementing strategic communications.
Drew introduced the core team: Lynn Onstadt (lead content writer and media relations specialist, who Drew said will retire May 8 next year after more than 20 years of service), Tony Otero (webmaster and lead graphic designer), Friends Wallace (video specialist and principal photographer) and Abigail "AB" Killinger (newsletter and social coordination, data tracking).
He presented platform and audience metrics: an estimate of 160'175 press releases annually and an average of more than five media requests per week; quarterly print newsletters mailed to about 24,000 residential addresses and an email newsletter with a July edition sent to over 18,000 addresses; roughly 2.2 million website page views over two years across about 502 published pages, with 63% of visitors on mobile devices; and a Facebook reach of about 2 million people over 18 months for the city page. Drew emphasized the department's focus on quality and impact rather than chasing viral metrics.
Drew said the website RFP was in draft and his goal is to issue it in August with the aim of having a new city website live in May 2026. He said the staff portal design and build is targeted to go live in December of this year.
He also outlined near-term marketing projects: advertising for the airport (vendor selected and plan in progress), bike park branding (vendor selection underway), and development of recruitment and brand-awareness work for departments such as parks, museum and golf. Drew announced a State of the Community event planned to begin next January on Jan. 14 and said the department hopes it will become an annual showcase for city accomplishments.
The Mayor thanked Drew for the report; the council recessed with no votes taken.
What happens next: staff expect to issue the website RFP in August and return with updates on vendor selection and project timelines.
